336 teachers and mentors from around the nation are recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). These awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators.
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Award recipients over the years represent schools and organizations from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, and the U.S. territories.
Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
A 1996 graduate of Raton High School, Cordova teaches K-6 Science in Casa Grande, AZ and said, “The Presidential Award honors the dedication and passion of teachers who foster excitement and interest in science for their students. Elementary science educators must be able to remove barriers, think creatively, problem solve, and persevere. This award celebrates the journey of learning that I have shared with students throughout my career. I am grateful to be part of this community that values science for all students. This award will allow me to share my ideas and learn from others.
Amber Cordova has been an educator for over 17 years. She joined Ironwood Elementary School two years ago as an instructional coach and the K-5 Science Coordinator for Casa Grande Elementary District. She spent the previous five years as a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Casa Grande Elementary School District’s gifted and talented program, WINGS. She previously taught fourth grade mathematics and science in Oklahoma for one and a half years and middle school science in Colorado for one year. Amber does not believe that learning is linear in nature. She works to redefine the “educational box” and creates opportunities where her students can redefine that box for themselves. She works to incorporate robotics, creativity, and maker activities into the science curriculum. Amber values hands-on learning so much that she created a school makerspace with grant funds awarded from Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service, and DonorsChoose. Amber continuously seeks opportunities to work with others to develop her efficacy as an educator. She participates in many professional learning communities within and outside of her district. She works with new teachers as a mentor and facilitates their professional development. Amber has presented sessions on STEAM education, formative and summative assessments in science, makerspaces, science discourse, science and engineering practices, and the integration of cross-cutting concepts within her district and Pinal County. Amber earned a B.S. in social science from Colorado State University and an M.Ed. in elementary education from the University of Phoenix. Amber is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary education, sixth through eighth grade middle grades general science, and has a gifted endorsement in grades PK-12.
Cordova’s family said, “We are so proud of, Amber for achieving this amazing award. Proud husband, Chris Cordova, her mom, Margaret Baca (also a Raton High School graduate), siblings, April Fissel Chokshi, John Alexander Fissel, & grandmother, Josephine Leal and late father, John C Fissel, and late grandparents, Jim & Lucille Fissel.
The National Science Foundation, which manages PAEMST on behalf of OSTP, provides each recipient $10,000.
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